Updated July 2026 · 9-minute read · Written by the Green Valley Taxi team.
Quick answer: A private taxi from Burlington VT (or BTV Airport) to Montreal takes 2 to 2.5 hours door to door, including the US–Canada border crossing. Reserve your ride or call (802) 870-0202, 24/7.
Why people take a taxi from Burlington to Montreal
Burlington and Montreal sit less than 100 miles apart, but getting between them is harder than it looks. There's an international border in the middle, no direct passenger train, and limited bus schedules that don't line up with early flights out of YUL or late arrivals into BTV.
- BTV to YUL flight connections — fly into Burlington for cheaper fares, then connect internationally out of Montreal.
- Weekend trips to downtown Montreal — Old Port, Bell Centre, Jazz Fest, Osheaga, the Plateau.
- Business travel — meetings downtown without the cost of a one-way international rental.
- University runs — UVM, Champlain College, McGill, Concordia.
- Cruise and rail connections — Old Port cruise terminal and Central Station.
Taxi vs. bus vs. rental car vs. flying
| Option | Door-to-door | The catch |
|---|---|---|
| Private taxi | 2–2.5 hrs | Door-to-door, private vehicle, up to 4 riders |
| Bus | 3.5–5 hrs | Terminal-to-terminal, whole bus waits at border |
| One-way rental | 2.5–3 hrs | Cross-border fees, insurance, city parking |
| Flying BTV → YUL | 4–6 hrs | No direct flights |
Lock in your Burlington → Montreal ride
Private vehicle · Flight tracking · 24/7
The route: what your trip actually looks like
From Burlington or BTV, your driver takes I-89 North through the Champlain Valley — about 45 minutes of easy interstate driving to the border at Highgate Springs, Vermont. Then Autoroute 35 to Autoroute 10 straight over the Champlain Bridge into downtown Montreal, or the connecting autoroutes to YUL.
Total driving distance is roughly 95 miles (150 km). In normal conditions the full door-to-door trip runs 2 to 2.5 hours, with the border crossing included.
Crossing the US–Canada border by taxi, step by step
- Driver joins the passenger lane at the Canadian border station. Wait: 5–20 min.
- Everyone stays in the vehicle; the officer takes passports through the window.
- A few basic questions about the trip.
- Documents come back, barrier lifts, you're in Quebec.
- Same process at US customs on the return trip.
Documents you need
- Adults: valid passport, passport card, or NEXUS card.
- US citizen children under 16 crossing by land can generally use a birth certificate — verify with CBP and CBSA.
- Non-US citizens: check whether you need a Canadian visa or eTA for land entry.
BTV to YUL: connecting flights through two airports
Our specialty run. Save hundreds by flying a domestic leg into Burlington International (BTV) and catching an international departure from Montreal-Trudeau (YUL).
- Flight tracking — we watch your BTV flight and shift the pickup automatically.
- Baggage-claim pickup — driver meets you outside BTV baggage claim.
- Timed arrivals — we build in the border buffer for your YUL departure.
- Reverse trips — landing at YUL and heading to Burlington or Stowe? We pick up too.
Where we drop off in Montreal
- Downtown hotels and Airbnbs (Ville-Marie, Old Montreal, Plateau, Griffintown)
- Montreal-Trudeau Airport (YUL), any terminal door
- Bell Centre, Olympic Park, event venues
- McGill, Concordia, UdeM, hospitals
- Central Station and Old Port cruise terminal
Frequently asked questions
How long does the trip take?
2 to 2.5 hours door to door, including the border crossing at Highgate Springs.
Can a US taxi legally drive into Canada?
Yes — we operate licensed cross-border trips daily. You stay in the vehicle while the officer checks documents.
Do I need a passport?
Yes. Every adult needs a valid passport, passport card, or NEXUS card.
Is the taxi faster than the bus?
Yes. Taxi: 2–2.5 hrs. Bus: 3–4 hrs terminal to terminal, plus travel at both ends.
Can you take me from BTV directly to YUL?
Yes — our most requested Montreal trip. Flight-tracked and timed to check-in.
Is the ride shared?
No. Every Montreal trip is 100% private.
Where in Montreal can you drop me off?
Anywhere in Greater Montreal: downtown, Old Port, YUL, hotels, universities, hospitals, Bell Centre.
What if my flight is delayed?
We track it and move your pickup automatically. No waiting charges for normal delays.
Do you run this route in winter?
Yes, year-round with winter-equipped vehicles and local drivers.
How far in advance should I book?
24 hours ahead is ideal for cross-border trips. Same-day rides often available.
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